Printing Costs

[bethbethbrad]

Does anyone know where I can find out about book printing costs? What I'd really like is to see sample books and find out how much they cost to produce.

Also, would you buy a childrens history book of your local area? ie for your own children, grandchildren, nieces/nephews, friends etc?

[stoo_pid]

I'm afraid I can't help you with the first question (apart from just contacting several publishers to discuss costs, samples etc)

In answer to your second question, I would.  I take it that's the basis of your book?  I think its an excellent idea.

[Pinotage]

There are a number of companies that will produce a book for you, cost depends on size, how many pages and whether there are illustrations. You can cut costs by sending the finished material on computer disc.

Have a look at http://www.the-old-school.demon.co.uk/ppuk.htm for a list of some small presses. Also check the Writer & Artists Yearbook, Small Press Guide and google.

 

Alternatively -depending on how many copies you want and how you are going to sell them, consider getting a laster printer - �79 now at PC World, and printing it yourself, using spiral binding which can be done by Prontaprint or similar.

[LeMarchand]

I used to work in the book trade, and pretty much the only self-published books that sold were "local history" titles.

 

I can't help with how much the printing cost would be, but would advise you to steer clear of "vanity publishers", who are generally a bunch of rip-off merchants. I suspect that your best bet is to look for a printer local to you. If you go to a print shop or design firm, you will pay them and they will probably have the book printed off site at the main local printer anyway. I think that you are looking at a not insubstantial cost, though.

[LeMarchand]

If you do go ahead and feel that you can break even on the book, a few hints/suggestions:

 

• Don't go into your local bookstore(s) and just expect the buyer to drop everything to look at your book -make an appointment.
• Most stores will want a 50% discount off the cover price, but may accept less for a "local" book.
• Many will want "sale or return" terms.
• Don't be surprised if the initial orders are low (10 to 50).
• Try to get the local paper(s) on side. Most are incredibly apathetic, despite (seemingly) being desperate for news, but a good article in the paper will do wonders for sales.
• If you can get the local TV and/or radio channel to plug your book, you're made!
• Be prepared to do bookshop (and other) signings of your book. (This may not be the best thing if you haven't an out-going personality, but it is a good, cheap bit of publicity - especially if you can get the local paper to turn up). We often got a better turn-out for unknown local authors than "B" list known authors.
• Keep accurate sales and delivery records, and always get a signature for deliveries.
• Be prepared to have to chase your money. Most firms will want 30 day credit, and many (especially the larger chains) will avoid paying for as long as possible after that.
• In the case of your book, it may be worth contacting local schools with a view to doing a presentation/book shop.
• Consider alternative outlets such as newsagents.
• You will probably have to spend out a lot of money and invest a lot of time and effort into selling your book. Until it starts selling, many retailers will seem quite dismissive (without wishing to be rude, a lot of people will have shown them books of varying worth), so be prepared for what may be an uphill struggle.

 

Good luck!